Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Quality Review System Title
Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Reference Number
BSG Comp
Authorised by
Peter O’Reilly, PPRS Strategic Competency Group
Publication
Internal
Scope Of The Framework ................................................................................................................... 4 Definitions Of Roles For The Purposes Of This Framework ............................................... 5 Framework Elements ........................................................................................................................... 7
Address
Competency Assessment Model .................................................................................................... 7 Document Version Control
Flowchart Of Progression: Stage 1 ............................................................................................... 12
Document Version
Document Version
Document Author
0.1
18/11/2013
Tim Gates and Paul Starling
Training Expectations For Stage 1 Development ................................................................... 13 Flowchart Of Progression: Stage 2 .............................................................................................. 15
Note: A printed document is no longer a controlled document
Flowchart Of Progression: Stage 3 .............................................................................................. 16 Quality Assurance Processes & External Validation ............................................................ 21 APPENDIX 1: Role Related Activities And Training Requirements ................................ 23 APPENDIX 2: Explanation Of Competencies .......................................................................... 30 APPENDIX 3: Example Development Programme .............................................................. 33 APPENDIX 4: Example CPD Portfolio ......................................................................................... 47 APPENDIX 5: Guidance On The Completion Of CPD Record & Recognised CPD ............................................................................................................................. 48
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Introduction The delivery of effective regulation depends on the competency of the professionals who carry out the work. Common regulatory competence standards – underpinned by a robust development process and comprehensive learning materials – are essential to the effective delivery of the regulated activity. The structure of the Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators takes cognisance of, and includes all of the essential elements within the ‘Common Approach to Competency for Regulators’ produced by the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO); these core competencies include skills, attitude, knowledge of the sector for regulation and relevant legislation. The Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators has been developed for use by Fire Safety Regulators within the UK. This approach satisfies the desire for all regulators to adopt a common and consistent approach to supporting business and to reduce regulatory burdens. The framework structure sets out the mandatory units/elements required to be covered; these are supported by a number of optional units. Business Fire Safety Regulators will develop competence in the areas of:
• Technical Skills (Mandatory) and • Non-Technical Skills (Optional). By developing Business Fire Safety Regulators in these key areas they will be better placed to adopt a supportive approach to regulation, thus ensuring that those businesses wanting to meet their responsibilities under Fire Safety Legislation will be provided with the opportunities, advice and guidance to do so.
Scope of the Framework The Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators has been developed for the use of Fire Safety Regulators throughout the UK, irrespective of the organisation, the work function being performed or position of the individual within the organisation. The objectives of the Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators are:
The objectives of the Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators are further broken down into the following:
• To provide an example development process for Business Fire Safety Regulators • To provide guidance on establishing a quality assurance process • To provide guidance on ensuring Maintenance of Competence (MOC) • To provide guidance on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) • To promote effective compliance with fire safety legislation within the built environment and • To provide effective support and maintain operational competencies within the Emergency Firefighting Response arena (if desirable).
Definitions of roles for the purposes of this framework Business Fire Safety Regulator Primarily, the term Business Fire Safety Regulator relates to the organisation which has been empowered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to enforce the legislation e.g. Fire and Rescue Authorities, Health and Safety Executive etc. However, it can also be applied to those that have been deemed competent to undertake enforcement action under the Order i.e. Fire Safety Inspectors.
Fire Safety Advisor A Fire Safety Advisor is an individual that has been developed in line with the recommendations of this framework and should have obtained a qualification equivalent to the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety. They can offer advice and educate those responsible for fire safety in regulated premises. They are not qualified to take enforcement action for a breach of fire safety legislation.
• To develop critical knowledge and skills needed to improve organisational and individual effectiveness and performance
• To promote quality and consistency in Fire Safety Regulation practices throughout the UK. The primary purpose of this framework is to ensure that Business Fire Safety Regulators have the skills, knowledge, understanding and other attributes necessary to be competent. It further protects the regulatory organisation by ensuring that Business Fire Safety Regulators are delivering the most up to date advice and information to the wider community to enable them to meet their statutory duties.
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Fire Safety Risk Assessor A Fire Safety Risk Assessor is an individual that has been developed in line with the recommendations of this framework and should have obtained a qualification equivalent to the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety. They can complete Fire Risk Assessments, offer advice to educate those responsible for fire safety in regulated premises, and visit low and medium risk sites. They are not qualified to take enforcement action for a breach of fire safety legislation.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Fire Safety Inspector
What activities do we require Business Fire Safety Regulators to undertake?
A Fire Safety Inspector is an individual that has been developed in line with the recommendations of this framework and should have obtained a qualification equivalent to the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety. They can complete Inspections of all regulated premises including high risk sites, or those incorporating fire engineering principles. They can investigate and report on breaches of fire safety legislation for the commencement of legal prosecutions. They can report on submissions in liaison with building control bodies and advise on fire safety issues relating to the construction, demolition and/or refurbishment of regulated premises. They are qualified to take enforcement action for a breach of fire safety legislation.
In order to ascertain the core training elements for the Business Fire Safety Regulator, it is for each service provider to understand what the Job Role is, what level of regulatory engagement is required and what subsequent training and development is needed to achieve this.
Additional benefits of using the Competency Framework are: For the individual:
An example of Role Related Activities and Training Requirements can be found in Appendix 1. Each of the job specifications have been broken down; with a task analysis setting out what the role holder actually undertakes against the specific job specification. This allows the training profile to be built around the individual’s training needs and aligned against relevant National Occupational Standards and qualifications e.g. - Skills for Fire and Rescue Level 3 Certificate for Fire Safety Advisors , through to Level 4 Diploma, Fire Safety Inspector.
• Enables individuals and their line managers to identify gaps and prioritise learning and development
The Competent Business Fire Safety Regulator will be developed from a ‘new starter’ in post to a fully integrated and effective practitioner in Business Fire Safety Regulation activities.
• Assists in meeting the individual’s key objectives by providing supporting behavioural evidence of how the
Flowcharts depicting the stages of progression from Level 3 Certificate to Level 4 Diploma are shown on pages 12-15.
needs for current and future roles individual met them
• Provides greater opportunities to improve professional and personal standing by enhancing the individual’s ability to make informed career decisions
• Supports the selection of people with the right skills and behaviours for the job/role • Provides clarity regarding the behaviours needed to complement the key professional/technical skills of posts
• Improved professional and career development planning • Makes a significant contribution to continuous personal improvement. For the organisation:
• Translates vision, mission and values into easily understandable behaviours • Presents a common format, which is simple to understand and provides a consistent language across large diverse organisations
• Provides the basis for measurable and standardised people management processes across the organisation which enhances the employee experience
• Provides a foundation for developing the organisation • Increased flexibility for the deployment of staff and their employability in alternative roles • Helps to better plan responses to changing and emerging environmental needs and to improve workforce alignment around them.
Framework Elements The following elements are necessary to achieve a robust and consistent standard for Business Fire Safety Regulators. 1.
Knowledge acquisition (Training)
2.
Application (demonstration) of knowledge
3.
Quality assurance (Internal Assurance and Peer Review)
4.
Maintenance of competence (Reflective Learning Log Book)
5.
Continuous professional development.
This approach is a single, definitive and comprehensive means of addressing professional competency. The five elements above link to appropriate levels of Training and Development. These are designed, delivered and measured against National Occupational Standards for each role, and will fulfil all the requirements of an integrated development system. The individual National Occupational Standards (NOS) for these competencies have been drawn from existing suites of NOS. www.skillsforjustice-ipds.com/nos/ A login and password to access ‘Skills for Fire and Rescue’ will be required to view this link.
Competency Assessment Model Competence is the combination of attitude (personal skills), technical skills and knowledge. There is a general agreement within the Regulatory Excellence Forum that there are a set of generic core skills required by regulators irrespective of the function within which they regulate. It is primarily only their underpinning technical knowledge that differs, dependant on specialism.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
These core skills are:
Figure 1- Competency Assessment Model
• To assess risks • To plan, organise and prioritise
Organisational Effectiveness
• Promote compliance, exercising professional judgment as appropriate • Advise and influence Personal Style
• To conduct interventions (in this context interventions refer to inspections, investigations and audits)
Technical
• To enforce relevant legislation BRDO Core Competencies
• To work effectively with business • To work effectively with citizens, partners and stakeholders • Use and manage knowledge effectively
Interpersonal Skills
• Personal development, innovation and learning • IT, literacy and numeracy and
Service Delivery
• Provision of Primary Authority Scheme (PAS) services. In addition to the mandatory core skills listed above, it has been identified that additional personal skills may be required by a Business Fire Safety Regulator. These competencies include six additional competency clusters, which take cognisance of, and cover, the core regulatory skills competencies as developed by BRDO. The six additional competency areas identified for a Business Fire Safety Regulator are:
Communication
This Framework further ensures that the Business Fire Safety Regulators meet their statutory obligations to promote Fire Safety Information, which includes the provision of appropriate advice and guidance on preventing fires, fire spread and means of escape in case of fire. This is underpinned by the units and elements outlined within the suite of Skills for Fire and Rescue NOS as shown in the link above.
• Organisational effectiveness • Technical skills
Mandatory Technical Elements for Business Fire Safety Regulators
• Communication
Training staff in this arena is complex. The knowledge that Business Fire Safety Regulators will need to acquire in order to fulfil their role will require Level 1 through to Level 4 training*, together with the practical application of learning. Business Fire Safety training covers the building materials, construction methods, and workplace practices for preventing fire or loss of life or property resulting from a fire, and ensures the safe design and construction of the built environment through;
• Service delivery • Interpersonal skills and • Personal style. (Detailed explanation of these competencies is listed in Appendix 2)
• Working with building designers and initially reviewing the proposed design and safety features of a building
• Reviewing the use of detection, extinguishing, smoke control and other active fire safety systems where necessary
• Reviewing the provision of adequate fire fighting arrangements • Reviewing the training of building occupants in fire safety and evacuation procedures • Reviewing the appropriate management of fire safety • Reviewing the provision of adequate access and facilities for the Fire and Rescue Service. * Level 1 : Self learning, Level 2 : Department/Section training with third party, Level 3: Internal Training Provider, Level 4: External Training Provider
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Development Process
Demonstration of Knowledge
The development of Business Fire Safety Regulators should be carried out in a structured and phased manner. Training should be incremental with the learning of complex information being acquired over a period of time. It is generally recognised by the UK Fire and Rescue Service that it will take 18 to 24 months for a person to become fully competent as a Business Fire Safety Regulator , and the individuals’ development plans and processes should reflect this. However it is recognised that some people will develop at different rates and the time to achieve competence could be shorter or longer.
The demonstration phase of development requires the trainee to carry out a number of observed activities and to satisfy their assessor that they meet an acceptable standard. Individual organisations may wish to add activities to the development process, but the minimum requirement to achieve competence will be to demonstrate the effective completion of auditing activities within complex buildings which have significant fire safety deficiencies that require remedies, and to undertake consultation activities in line with organisational procedures. Complex buildings are generally those designed and built using complex codes such as BS 9999 whereas simple buildings are usually those that conform to a simple code of practice e.g. Approved Document B.
The development process should incorporate a variety of methods, both practical and theoretical and should recognise that different people will learn and develop at different speeds. In particular it is emphasised that the fundamental principles of fire safety must be understood before more technical concepts and elements are introduced. Completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety, prior to progressing to more complex elements would ensure this staged progression. Within the development process, there will be knowledge acquisition and demonstration of knowledge. In broad terms, the acquisition phase will be theoretical and the demonstration phase will be practical. A sample development programme is contained within Appendix 3 of this document.
Stage 1 Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety for Fire Safety Advisors.
Stage 2 Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety for Fire Safety Risk Assessors who can work on more complex premises, or offer more technical support, than Fire Safety Advisors.
Knowledge Acquisition
Stage 3
This competency framework has been designed to assist the employing organisation and trainee Business Fire Safety Regulator to meet their development needs in a variety of ways, but with the primary objective being a consistent standard of Regulator.
Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety for a Fire Safety Inspector. This will allow them to work on a wide range of premises as a competent and effective Fire Safety Inspector.
The training input required for the individual NOS, that comprise the competencies, can be delivered by external training providers, in house trainers, or a combination of both. The delivery methods can be blended to meet the needs of the situation facing the host organisation and learning style of the trainee. Details on the assessment methods can be found within the individual standards. The suggested minimum technical qualification requirement for a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator is the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety. The non-technical competencies can be addressed in various ways, but it is recommended that recognised training standards are utilised from an accredited body, as listed in Table 1 on page 16.
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In order to achieve the above, the Framework is split into three distinct stages.
The flowcharts below show the stages and relevant training courses currently available to meet the Technical and Non-technical skill requirements of a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator. These are a base line and organisations providing regulatory services may opt to train their Business Fire Safety Regulators to a higher level with additional content. It is for each Business Fire Safety Regulator to determine the mix of competencies that they require within their business model. It is not expected that all staff become competent Fire Safety Inspectors. However elements of this framework can be applied to individuals delivering at any of the three stages e.g. CPD or additional competency areas, dependent upon business needs.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Flowchart of Progression: Stage 1
Training Expectations for Stage 1 Development During Stage 1, each organisation will endeavour to develop new staff through a Fire Safety Foundation Course. Following this training, there will be a structured programme of study and learning in addition to the individual’s normal work. To undertake this study there should be an allowance of time allocated as training time.
Induction Training
The first stage is divided into four phases as follows: Entry in Regulatory Services – Fire Safety Foundation
Pass Relevant Assessment
No
Period of further study and Resit Assessment
Fire Safety Solutions in Higher Life Risk Premises
Fire Safety Solutions in Non-Residential Premises
No
Period of further study and Resit Assessment
Line Manager to continue the process of Professional Review to identify training needs and progression of Business Fire Safety Regulator. Two Quality Assurance checks by a Business Fire Safety Regulator should be undertaken in the first 12 months in role.
Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Advisor)
Phase 3
Accompanying a qualified Business Fire Safety Regulator, or being accompanied by the individual’s mentor during a visit to appropriate premises.
The fourth phase will be an interview with an alternative team manager to agree the level of knowledge gained.
The bibliography selected and delivered in the initial Fire Safety Foundation course indicates the main principles and themes common to most fire safety applications that may be encountered at this level (Level 3 Certificate). The chosen bibliography should not be considered as a comprehensive list of information, rather, a solid base from which to start and extend the individuals knowledge within the discipline of fire safety. Organisations should assist the development of regulatory officers by providing a library of materials which cover the bibliography. In addition to the bibliography, each phase allows the individual to learn from an experienced Business Fire Safety Regulator. The individual will accompany a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator during a programmed inspection of a regulated premises. This is an opportunity to learn and discuss audits, opportunities for support, enforcement and potential prosecution. It is also an opportunity to discuss the individuals thought processes and communication when carrying out an audit of premises. Audits should be chosen on the basis that they stretch the individual’s present knowledge and gives plenty of scope for learning and discussion. At the end of each month, the individual will attend a meeting with a manager to consider their development to date. The individual is encouraged to talk openly about their progress and career objectives in the Business Fire Safety arena. Managers/individuals are also expected to indicate any problems they may be experiencing that may impede progress. The manager can identify additional training needs and provide support, where necessary, through this process and also through the individual Performance Review Process. This will assist the trainee Business Fire Safety Regulator to carry out their work as part of an established Business Fire Safety department, whilst at the same time ensuring that they are on course to fulfil their own development needs.
To Stage 2
The chart does not identify specific courses that should be attended but it does identify the areas of learning that are required.
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Studying selected bibliography relating to the topic being studied.
The meetings with the line manager provide an opportunity for the individual to discuss the overlap of responsibilities (e.g. between visits to simple premises and those to more complex premises). It should give the individual an insight into the specialist’s qualifications and an awareness of when an inspection should be handed over to a more experienced officer to complete an audit or begin enforcement action.
Yes
Completion of Work Book and Self Development
Phase 2
Professional Review to Evaluate Training Requirements
Pass Relevant Assessment
Meeting with the line manager, or mentor with appropriate experience.
Phase 4
Yes
Legislation and Risk Assessment Auditing
Phase 1
Stage 2 and 3 developments are shown below. Completion of Stage 2 will enable the individual to obtain the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and to operate as a Fire Safety Risk Assessor. Completion of Stage 3 will enable the individual to obtain the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety and to operate as a Fire Safety Inspector. 13
Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Flowchart of Progression: Stage 2
Flowchart of Progression: Stage 3 Professional Review to Evaluate Training Requirements
Professional Review to Evaluate Training Requirements
Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Systems
Fire Engineering Principles
Legal Training Level 1
Building Regulations & BS 9999
Sprinklers/ Residential Sprinklers
Smoke Control
Period of further study and Resit Assessment
Period of further study and Resit Assessment
Pass Relevant Assessment
No
Review and identify additional work from areas requiring development
No
Review and identify additional work from areas requiring development
Yes
Yes
Line Manager to continue the process of Professional Review to identify training needs and progression of Business Fire Safety Regulator. Two Quality Assurance checks by a Business Fire Safety Regulator should be undertaken during this stage.
Line Manager to continue the process of Professional Review to identify training needs and progression of Business Fire Safety Regulator. Two Quality Assurance checks by a Business Fire Safety Regulator should be undertaken during this stage.
Completion of Work Book and Self Development
Completion of Work Book and Self Development
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Risk Assessor)
The chart does not identify specific courses that should be attended but it does identify the areas of learning that are required.
Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors)
Training expectations for Stages 2 and 3 will be completed as per Stage 1 above, but will be undertaken at a more detailed level.
To Stage 3
The chart does not identify specific courses that should be attended but it does identify the areas of learning that are required.
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Pass Relevant Assessment
Candidates must complete the following 6 mandatory units and a minimum of 2 optional units to provide them with at least 37 credits presented through a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio can be comprised of the completed course certificates (assessed) and development programme logs.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Table 1: Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors)
Table 2: Optional Units
Mandatory Units for Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors). Topic Assessed in Training Course Delivery
Skills for Fire and Rescue NOS in Fire Safety
Guided Learning Hours
Credit Value
Unit Title
Topic Assessed in Training Course Delivery
Skills for Fire and Rescue NOS in Fire Safety
Guided Learning Hours
Credit Value
Fire Safety Foundation, Fire Safety Legislation and Risk Assessment Auditing, Fire Safety Solutions in non-residential Premises, Fire Safety Solutions in Higher Life Risk Premises, Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Systems, Fire Engineering Principles
FS2
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5
Work in partnership to minimise risks to the community
Unit 4 – Communicate in a Business Environment and Unit 8 – Negotiate in a Business Environment from Edexcel Level 3 NVQ Certificate/Diploma in Business and Administration (or equivalent)
FS4
10
4
Incident Command and Leadership assessments
FS5
15
4
Ensure measures are in place to protect people from fire in complex premises and environments
Fire Safety Foundation Fire Safety Legislation and Risk Assessment Auditing, Fire Safety Solutions in non-residential Premises
FS3
Support the management of risks at incidents
Building Regulations and BS9999
FS8
10
4
Review fire safety matters relating to existing or proposed construction
Fire Safety Building Regulations and Guidance (Inc. BS9999)
FS6
Review fire safety matters relating to premises under construction, demolition and alteration
Prosecution procedures and interview skills
FS11
2
3
Review fire protection systems in complex premises and environments
Fire Safety Foundation, Fire Engineering Principles, Smoke Control, Sprinklers, Residential Sprinklers
FS7
Prepare and present evidence in court and other formal proceedings in relation to fire safety matters
Report Writing, Prosecution procedures and interview skills
FS13
7
3
Review safety measures at locations that are regulated and/or licensed
Fire Safety Foundation, Fire Safety Solutions in Non-Residential Premises
FS9
28
4
Draft statutory enforceable documents for the purposes of fire safety regulation
Visit complex premises and environments for the purposes of fire safety regulation
Fire Safety Solutions in Higher Life Risk Premises, Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Systems
FS12
15
4
Serve statutory enforceable documents for the purposes of fire safety regulation
Prosecution procedures and interview skills
FS14
7
3
Unit Title
Assess risks associated with fire in complex premises and environments
16
21
50
28
5
7
4
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Technical Competencies: www.skillsforjustice-nosfinder.com/qualifications.php?strand_id=6 A login and password from Skills for Fire and Rescue will be required to follow this link.
Non-Technical Competencies: www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/QCF%20competencebased%20qualifications/ N025051-L3-NVQ-Cert-Dip-in-Business-and-Administration-QCF-111110.pdf Additional optional training areas which may enhance service delivery by the competent Business Fire Safety Regulator include:
• Legal Training – Level 2 & 3 • NEBOSH- General Certificate in H&S • Fireworks • Explosive and Petroleum
Once competent, the Business Fire Safety Regulator should maintain a record of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which will be quality assured to ensure that each individual maintains their regulatory competencies. The recommended level of CPD activity is 25 hours per year of formal study time. This may be spread in excess of 1 year, but in that case 75 hours of formal study should be completed over 3 years (provided that any 1 year has no less than 10 hours formal study time). Formal study should not be less than 50% of total study time. In order to ensure that there is a robust process in place, the QA process can be peer reviewed at a Regional or National level through the LGA/CFOA Peer Challenge process. All competent Business Fire Safety Regulators can be assessed to give assurance that the identified standards and competencies are being maintained, demonstrating a standard approach to regulation throughout the UK. It is important to note that each organisation may employ a different approach to the QA process outlined in the Stage 1-3 above and, as such, it is not the purpose of this Framework to decide on a single method. However, taking account of the Peer Challenge process, an organisation that is successfully supporting the development of their Business Fire Safety Regulators to achieve the Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent) is likely to be classified as ‘Established’ within the model for peer challenge. Those organisations that are developing staff to a higher qualification level, supported by workplace assessment, are likely to be classified as ‘Advanced’.
• Hospitals-HTM Guidance • Disclosure Training
Business Fire Safety Services Signatory Levels
• Equality Awareness CDM Regulation
Only competent Business Fire Safety Regulators (Fire Safety Inspectors) should be able to sign formal letters, Enforcement Notices and Prohibition Notices. Signatory levels are aligned directly to the level of qualification that the Business Fire Safety Regulator has achieved which will be confirmed through regular on-going workplace assessment by line managers.
• FS Advisory Sports Ground • Tactical/Supervisory Incident Command Training • Fire Behaviour.
Quality Assurance Processes and External Validation Development Logbook Staff developing within Stage 1 should complete a bespoke development logbook. This includes areas of training, outcomes of visits to premises and reflective experiences from the individual, who can then map their progress against the required competencies. Whilst working towards their qualification, this approach will complement the evidence gathered through other methods.
Peer Review and Quality Assurance Those developing to become Business Fire Safety Regulators will be assessed by their line manager to determine and map their progress against the framework and the qualification. This will be completed during the three stages of development.
Business Fire Safety Personnel - Operational Competencies (if desirable) It is recognised that Business Fire Safety Regulators will have a key role to play within some Fire and Rescue Services to ensure that there is effective identification and delivery of operational risk information, coupled with support of emergency response colleagues regarding the provisions made within the built environment to support safe operations. If Business Fire Safety Regulators are to fully integrate with firefighting emergency response staff, in terms of support and training delivery, then achieving and maintaining competence in unit FS5 of the Skills for Fire and Rescue ‘Fire Safety’ NOS, will be key. In general, Business Fire Safety Regulators need to maintain the core skills or competencies for the role they are performing. However, if they are required to support firefighting emergency response staff as outlined above, it is important that Business Fire Safety staff understand the provisions made within the built environment to support firefighting operations and the operational fire fighting tactics that could be deployed.
Stage 1 Newly appointed personnel (on-going Quality Assurance (QA) process and regular development meetings with line manager) and completion of Level 3 Certificate (or equivalent)
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Stage 2
Completion of the Level 4 Certificate (or equivalent)
Stage 3
Completion of the Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent).
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
APPENDIX 1: Role Related Activities And Training Requirements Business Fire Safety Regulator
Desirable training Qualifications to be attained whilst in post
Example organisational logo:
1. Support the manager of the function in
monitoring and contributing to the review of Service policies associated with fire protection and prevention, and where appropriate intervention. Task Breakdown: Review corporate policies and any other procedures as directed by the line Manager on receipt or implementation, Interpreting and assessing legal compliance in regulated premises whilst undertaking the different range of inspections carried out.
INSERT organisation logo HERE
Business Fire Safety Advisor/ Business Fire Safety Risk Assessor/ Business Fire Safety Inspector
To undertake to achieve the objectives of the Organisation within the context of Fire Safety Enforcement including compliance monitoring, provision of technical support and advice to other Regulators and agencies and to resolve fire safety matters requiring specialised technical skills. Business Fire Safety Regulation and General Training Required
Prior to attaining the role, It is desirable that the role holder has completed the training shown opposite. Full breakdown of training to be listed on the Organisations Training Needs Analysis. (RDNA/GRIP)
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engaging and developing internal/external local partnerships in order to deliver key objectives for the benefit of achieving a safer society, reducing the social, economic and environmental impact of fire on the community. Task Breakdown: Provide fire safety advice and signpost community safety staff to those requiring their support. Attend local meetings with partner agencies (Licensing, Sports Ground Advisor groups, and Housing) and through these meetings, form networking links with other agencies/groups to provide a means of delivering the local areas key objectives.
Job Purpose:
Responsibilities & Task Analysis
2. Support the manager of the function in
IFE Level 3 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma Management Training for nonTechnical Skills
Timescales
3. Support the manager of the function where
necessary in proactively identifying risks through intelligence and interfacing with community safety and emergency response staff.
Prior to undertaking the role
Task Breakdown: Through links with partner agencies, emergency response staff and community safety staff identify poor management practices, examples of problem premises types and link to local areas action plan, identify trends in enforcement actions to determine problem areas.
Fire Safety Foundation (FS2/ FS9) Fire Safety Legislation and Risk Assessment Auditing (FS2/FS3) Fire Safety Alarms and Emergency Lighting Systems (FS2/FS12) Fire Safety Solutions in Non-Residential Premises, (FSFS2/FS3/FS9) Fire Safety Solutions in high Life Risk Premises (FS2/FS12)
Links through Regulatory Interface on Management Training. Licensing module.
Demonstrate Maintenance of Operational competencies through records.
Year 1 when entering Business Fire Safety Regulation
Stage 1-2 in Role
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
4. Support the manager of the function where
necessary in managing major development projects and ensure that all interested parties are kept informed. Task Breakdown: Through developing relationships with local Building Control, Approved Inspectors and Planning Officers, monitor proposed developments within the Business Fire Safety Team for involvement in pre consultation meetings and subsequent meetings during course of development. Liaise and update operational risk information with local fire officers and crews.
5. Investigate and report on events to inform future
practice by gathering information to support the investigation of an event and reporting the findings and conclusions of an investigation. Task Breakdown: Provide debriefs on any investigations undertaken to keep the Business Fire Safety Team , and Emergency Response staff appraised of findings. Provide written reports of all findings from investigations to the manager of the relevant individual departments for information and implementation of findings.
6. Maintain activities to meet requirements. Be
accountable for managing time flexibly and workloads in targeting risk-based business fire safety compliance and maintain healthy, safe and productive working conditions whilst making recommendations for improvements to work activities. Task Breakdown: Use Organisational IT based programmes and local data bases to ensure flexibility. Use information gathered from intelligence led sources to ensure that premises are targeted correctly. Identify new, and improve existing working practices to increase the productivity of Business Fire Safety teams.
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7. To attend fire safety regulatory meetings on
Fire Safety Engineering Principles (FSEP) Fire Safety Smoke Control (FSSCC)
behalf of the manager of the function to ensure consistent, co-ordinated and integrated working within the Organisational structures.
Stages 2 & 3
Fire Safety Smoke Control (FSSCC)
Debrief familiarisation on Policy and Delivery Report Writing Techniques and word processing skills
Fire Safety Building Regulations (FS6/FS8)
8. Liaise with Local Authority services and other
Fire Safety Sprinklers (FSS) Fire Safety Residential Sprinklers (FSRS)
Task Breakdown: Deputise for the manager of the function, when requested at internal and external meetings, reporting back findings to manager and at team meetings to ensure an integrated approach to on-going projects and procedures. agencies as part of the integrated community risk management process e.g. building control, planning, housing, licensing, environmental health etc.
As and when required
Task Breakdown: Maintain existing and form new relationships with partner agencies, to ensure efficient enforcement activities and the involvement of the right agencies to deal with complaints and the giving of advice in an efficient manner
9. Ensure that fire safety complaints are
acknowledged and investigated in accordance with organisational policy.
On-going Level 1 Professional Competencies Managerial Development
Communication Skills and Knowledge of Building Regs etc.
Task Breakdown: Advise complainant during initial contact. Complete investigations and inspections using Organisational Procedures and Policies.
CPD and Personal appraisal training
Be aware and prepared to redistribute to partner agencies were appropriate if the complaint is covered by their legislation.
Prosecution and Interview skills (FS11)
10. Provide a point of contact as part of the Business Fire Safety team for the provision of specialist fire safety advice (principally for non-domestic premises) within the local community to all relevant stakeholders to ensure that service delivery is responsive to community needs.
Fire Safety Prosecution procedures (FS11)
Task Breakdown: Be conversant with relevant legislation to provide advice at initial contact and to programme inspections and enforcement action if required. To identify trends from your findings to bring to the attention of partners.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
11. Take responsibility for effective performance,
develop your own skills to improve personal performance and establish and maintain effective working relationships with people. Task Breakdown: To self-monitor performance to ensure that you are working efficiently, effectively and economically, reviewing your skill sets to identify areas for improvement, use findings during performance appraisals and meetings with line managers.
Training as above for partnership activities
APPENDIX 2: Explanation Of Competencies EXPLANATION OF COMPETENCIES MANDATORY
Level 1 development and Personal appraisal with line manager
Technical 1. Identifies and report hazards associated with fire in simple and complex premises and environments 2. Assesses risks associated with fire in simple and complex premises and environments 3. Confirms and ensure measures are in place to protect people from fire in simple and complex premises and environments
12. Support the development of teams and
4. Reviews fire protection systems in simple and complex premises and environments
individuals by Contributing to the identification of development needs. Plan the development of teams, individuals and activities. Task Breakdown: Actively participate in mentoring of other members of the Business Fire Safety team along with supporting the development of emergency response staff. Support other team members to consolidate information and knowledge gained from attending training courses.
5. Plans and gathers evidence for the purpose of fire safety regulation in simple and complex premises and environments
Mentoring or Coaching awards/ Training on word processing systems, use of appropriate IT systems
6. Visits simple and complex premises and environments for the purposes of fire safety regulation 7. Reviews safety measures at locations that are regulated and/or licensed 8. Reviews fire safety matters relating to existing or proposed construction 9. Works in partnership to minimise risks to the community 10. Supports the management of risks at incidents 11. Reviews fire safety matters relating to premises under construction, demolition and alteration
13. Manage information for action by gathering the required information, informing and advising others and holding meetings as appropriate
Task Breakdown: Participate in the gathering and monitoring by means of internal and external data bases to enable the Team to be more efficient, effective and economical. When targeting recognised trends and internal trigger points e.g. false alarms from automatic alarm and detection systems.
12. Prepares and present evidence in court and in other formal proceedings in relation to fire safety measures
13. Drafts statutory enforceable documents for the purpose of fire safety regulation 14. Serves statutory enforceable documents for the purpose of fire safety regulation.
OPTIONAL Communication 1. Engages with stakeholders in order to effectively manage risk 2. Demonstrates ability to provide explanation and/or options to resolve difficult or confrontational situations 3. Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in writing (in a format appropriate to the audience e.g. technical, legal, informal)
4. Able to clearly and accurately explain issues, policies, procedures and other pertinent information to stakeholders and co-workers
5. Able to relay / redirect complete and accurate information to appropriate persons (internal & external) 6. Keeps his / her manager informed about progress and problems.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Interpersonal skills
Organisational effectiveness
1. Respects and welcomes diversity of clients and co-workers
1. Demonstrates expert knowledge of organisational policies and working practices
2. Respects the confidentiality of information or concerns shared by others
2. Develops and uses organisational policy and working practices to organise and keep track
3. Values contributing to teamwork in order to achieve common goals 4. Listens and responds constructively to other team members ideas 5. Expresses disagreement constructively (e.g. by emphasising points of agreement, suggesting alternatives that may be acceptable to the group)
6. Promotes co-operation with other departments and agencies
of information or work progress
3. Continually looks to improve standards of working and offer suggestions as necessary 4. Adopts a conscientious approach and completes work as required 5. Identifies the key stakeholders/partners involved in the work of the organisation in line with the relevant legislation
7. Is able to present an approachable and positive image of self and the organisation
6. Organises information or materials for others
8. Effectively diffuses / de-escalates difficult or confrontational situations.
7. Fulfils the organisational responsibilities under the requirements of statutory legislation.
Personal style
Service delivery
1. Understands and accepts other points of view and recognises the value of different approaches
1. Demonstrates the ability to carry out regulatory activities in the built environment in accordance
2. Switches to a different strategy when an initially selected one is unsuccessful 3. Demonstrates openness to new organisational structures, procedures and technology 4. Accepts change even when there is initial ambiguity
with organisational policy and procedures
2. Able to apply appropriate FS standards to meet functional requirements and the needs of the client 3. Able to undertake formal enforcement action appropriately (e.g. drafting and serving of notices, gathering evidence etc.)
5. Steps into co-workers tasks when needed or required. Willingly takes on new tasks
4. Able to provide business continuity advice as appropriate
6. Works creatively within standard procedures to fit a specific situation
5. Identifies, and responds to, opportunities to provide non-regulatory advice as appropriate
7. Demonstrates an understanding of the need for change within the organisation and accepts these changes, is aware of the impact of changes to the organisation on their role and identifies ways of supporting change and takes action where possible
8. Remains in control of own emotions during challenging situations and concentrates on the task despite pressure and retains confidence in own ability or convictions despite setbacks
9. Is concerned with treating people fairly and ethically and is committed to the organisational values.
6. Responds with courtesy, clarity and accuracy to enquiries from stakeholders and other departments and agencies
7. Has the ability to prioritise workloads and deal with tasks in an appropriate time scale 8. Behaves courteously to calmly acknowledge the concerns of clients who may be hostile, rude, confused and / or frustrated
9. Has the ability to undertake effective consultation activities (informal and formal) 10. Applies due diligence and sound judgment when responding to requests and dealing with confidential information
11. Initiates and implements measures to ensure the environment is risk assessed and takes action to ensure safe working.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
APPENDIX 3: Example Development Programme
Example Business Fire Safety Regulator’s Development Programme
Name Employee no.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Business Fire Safety Regulator Introduction To ensure that you are able to operate competently within this role, you will be provided with a programme of development specifically designed to meet your own individual needs. This document centres on the development requirements associated with the fire safety National Occupational Standards and qualifications, and certain specific requirements of the Business Fire Safety Regulator’s role. In each of the development areas there are two distinct phases:
Your Line Manager will also be your main source of support and may also nominate a mentor for the duration of your development period. They will be able to provide you with support and guidance throughout this programme and assess your performance against the relevant standards appropriate to the task. The collation of significant amounts of evidence is not considered necessary to complete the development process, as the testimony of the line manager or other competent Business Fire Safety Regulator is adequate to demonstrate competence.
Your assessor is:
• Phase 1 will deal with the acquisition of knowledge and understanding through structured learning sessions
• Phase 2 covers the period during which you will demonstrate and apply the new skills you have acquired
Your mentor is:
in the pursuance of a role as a Business Fire Safety Regulator.
Some candidates may bring with them a greater amount of knowledge and experience than others and therefore may develop at a different rate making it inappropriate to fix a minimum period of time that will need to elapse prior to the development being completed. You will have already undertaken your induction training to the department that delivers the Business Fire Safety function, or have a date to undertake this training in the near future. Your line manager should meet with you within one calendar month of your commencement of this development programme. This meeting will set out the standards required, and the support available to you during your development. Throughout your development, your progress will be monitored and subsequently commented upon by all of those involved in your personal development. During this time you will be required to maintain the competencies you have acquired and to gain new skills to fulfil the role of a Business Fire Safety Regulator.
Administrative Process Development programmes are an open system, whereby you will be involved in all reporting procedures that last notionally for 18 to 24 months from your date of initial appointment. The time frame for completion of each stage should be made by agreement between the line manager; the Business Fire Safety training and development manager (or insert other appropriate person); and yourself.
Assessment against standards With regards to the formal, classroom based training during induction and the national fire safety qualifications; you will be assessed during those training periods. With regards to the practical assessments, it is preferable for your Line Manager to carry out the assessments in line with organisational practices.
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Non-Achievement of Standards In the event that the required standards associated with this development programme, including any functional development issues, are not met within acceptable timeframes, then the matter will be referred to your departmental Manager at which time your performance and achievements to date will be reviewed. Ultimately, failure to achieve the required standards may lead to a review of the role you are undertaking.
Fairness / Appeals Procedure If at any stage you feel you have been unfairly treated in the development process, you may appeal to insert appropriate person, who, in consultation with the Human Resources advisor responsible for your role, will arbitrate on the matter.
Conclusion of Development period Following completion of the development programme, your line manager will submit your Development Record to insert appropriate person and make the appropriate recommendations relating to your suitability for appointment as a Business Fire Safety Regulator.
Development Inputs Set out below are the modules, grouped into development clusters, that relate to the role of a Business Fire Safety Regulator. Not all of these modules are unique to the role and you may have acquired the knowledge and understanding for some of them within another role. You will therefore receive all development (acquisition) input relating to those module topics that you have not previously encountered to ensure that you can achieve all of the role related standards required. You will undertake a full and active part in this training and thus build upon the knowledge and skills that you have already acquired.
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
As previously outlined, you will in addition to the above, be selected to undertake development input specific to your functional role outside the procedures defined in this part of the document.
1. Attend and pass the assessment of the Fire Safety Foundation Course
Personal Management • Equality and Fairness –
Equal Ops and anti-discrimination
• Planning and leading meetings 1 • Presentation skills • Support the development of colleagues
Any candidate having completed any aspect or element of this list can apply for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).
• Personal development • Managing yourself • Information collection methods • Managing conflict • Principles and purpose of assessment.
The aim will be for you to attend this course within 30 days of joining the department, but in any case, you will commence the training within 60 days of joining the department. The course will cover all aspects of the level 3 certificate in fire safety as set out below. If you are viewing this document electronically, you can click on the links to view the details of the individual standards on the Skills for Fire and Rescue website.
Skills for Fire and Rescue qualifications If you are viewing this in paper form, the standards can be accessed at the following URL: www.skillsforjustice-ipds.com/qualifications/
Organisational Management • Health, Safety and Risk management
• Manage and provide information
• Employee relations
• Principles and practice of training and development
• Statutory requirements of people
• Presenting evidence at formal proceedings.
management
2. Attain the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety This course will provide the technical knowledge necessary to provide support to Inspectors regarding complex buildings i.e. fire engineered buildings, that have been designed using a code other than Approved Document B (ADB). If you are viewing this document electronically, you can click on the links to view the details of the individual standards on the Skills for Justice website.
Skills for Fire and Rescue qualifications
Community Safety
If you are viewing this in paper form, the standards can be accessed at the following URL:
• Conducting audits
• Fire safety advice
• Community Fire Safety advice
• Working with your community
• Fire safety visits
• Investigate the scene of fire or explosion.
www.skillsforjustice-ipds.com/qualifications/ The following activities will need to be undertaken as part of your development and can be undertaken at any time during the process. a. Complete 2 fire safety audits within licensed premises, both observed by a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator
Specific requirements of the Business Fire Safety Regulator’s development programme The list below details the training to be undertaken as part of the development process:
• The Business Fire Safety Induction • The Business Fire Safety Foundation Course • The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety • The Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety • The Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety • Other courses to meet specific non-technical skills as identified. 32
b. Complete 2 fire safety audits within sleeping premises, both observed by a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator c. Complete 2 building regulations consultations, both observed by a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator Items a, b and c must be signed off by a competent Business Fire Safety Regulator.
3. Attend conflict management/customer service training 4. Attend other identified non-technical courses 33
Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Completion of Fire Safety Audits Attendance on Foundation Course Dates Attended
Signature of trainer, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety Dates Attended
Signature of Manager, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety Dates Attended
Record of developmental progress &
Signature of Manager, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety Dates Attended
Development programme assessment records
Signature of Manager, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Conflict Management Training Date
Signature of trainer, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Other Courses/Training Date
Signature of trainer/Manager, confirming attendance and satisfactory assessment
Completion of Fire Safety Audits Date
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Type of premises & Identification number within IT system
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Comments of Line Manager/Mentor
Date
Type of premises & Identification number within IT
Learning points
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator
Completion of Fire Safety Audits (continued) Learning points
Date
Type of premises & Identification number within IT
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator
Learning points Completion of Fire Safety Audits (continued) Date
Type of premises & Identification number within IT
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator Date
Type of premises & Identification number within IT
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator
Learning points
Learning points Date
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Type of premises & Identification number within IT
Signature of Business Fire Safety Regulator
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Personal Development Assessment Record
Details of how the assessment decision was reached (assessors testimony)
Date and ref. to any supporting evidence
Agreed action plan If further development is required (assessors testimony)
Date and ref. to any supporting evidence
Record no.
Unit/Element/Activity Details of the activity performed (candidates testimony)
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Date and ref. to any supporting evidence
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
Candidates name & no.
Signature
Date
Assessors name & no.
Signature
Date
Q A’s name & no.
Signature
Date
APPENDIX 4 : EXAMPLE CPD PORTFOLIO Name: Summary of CPD activities Date
Time (actual)
Theme and activity
Learning points and how they can be applied
Quality assurance report Observations
Requirements
Note - Informal study activities are credited on a two for one basis that is two hours of informal study represents one hour of formal study Summary sheet No _________ 40
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Competency Framework for Business Fire Safety Regulators
APPENDIX 5 : GUIDANCE ON THE COMPLETION OF CPD RECORDS AND RECOGNISED CPD ACTIVITIES RECOGNISED CPD ACTIVITIES Activity (must relate to fire engineering)
Formal/Non formal
Evidence required
In house training by your employer
Formal
Details and information about the course must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Attendance at a course/ seminar
Formal
The details of training provider must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Training provided by local IFE branch
Formal
Details of the branch and the course must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Reading relevant articles
Non formal
The article title, publication and/or website address must be provided in your CPD portfolio.
Distance learning courses to include e-learning
Academic or professional study
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Formal
The details of the training provider and the course must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Formal
Full details of the qualification (subjects covered), the provider and the year of study must be provided in your CPD portfolio. Where study for qualification spans more than one year, this activity can be claimed for CPD purposes during each year of the qualification
Production of a dissertation
Formal
The title of the dissertation and the qualification details must be provided in your CPD portfolio. Where research and writing of a dissertation spans more than one year, this activity can be claimed for CPD purposes each year
Research
Formal
Full details of the topic for the research and, where applicable, the organization which has commissioned the research
Preparation and delivery of training courses
Formal
Full details of the course being delivered must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Work shadowing
Non formal
Full details of aims and outcomes of the work shadowing sessions to be provided in your CPD portfolio
Coaching or mentoring (delivered face to face or at a distance with clear aims and objectives for professional development)
Formal
Full details of aims and outcomes of the sessions to be provide in your CPD portfolio
Activity (must relate to fire engineering)
Formal/Non formal
Evidence required
Participation in development of specialist areas of fire engineering, by attending meetings of special interest groups/ committees or relevant organisations undertaking such work
Formal
Details of the committee/ organization, the area of fire engineering being considered to be provided in your CPD portfolio
Writing on fire engineering (to include material written for journals, publications, magazines, internet)
Formal
The details of training provider must be provided in your CPD portfolio
Important notice This sample list is only an example, and is not intended to exclude other worthwhile activities. It will be for you as an individual to demonstrate the development value of any activity in your Record of Professional Development.
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